Load your iPad with the best apps in every category

The iPad is still the king of tablets, and there are a number of apps in the App Store that were built specifically for the device. We’ve been curating various best-of lists for years now, but this master list spans apps from a wealth of different categories. Whether you’re looking for great travel apps, games, productivity suites, or drawing software — it’s all here. Let us know what you think in the comments section, or suggest something we may have missed!

What’s new

NYTimes

The New York Times is one of the most venerable newspapers in the world, and the publication has made the leap to mobile with an app that is elegant, easy to read, and loaded with nifty features such as morning briefings and notifications for important stories.

NBA

The NBA has one of the longest seasons in professional sports, and that can make it difficult for fans to stay informed. Thankfully, basketball fans can keep up with the latest in NBA news, scores, and schedules with the official NBA app. NBA League Pass subscribers can also use the app to watch games on their iPad.

Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Blizzard Entertainment’s popular trading card game is perfectly suited for the iPad. Players can collect cards, build decks, and duel opponents, using simple touch gestures to perform every task. The game is free to play, too, and players can acquire new packs of cards by completing quests or spending money.

The Washington Post

Readers who want to stay abreast of the latest in U.S. politics should love that The Washington Post has a mobile app that beautifully translates the paper to a digital format. In addition to excellent reporting and long-form journalism, the app provides vivid images and graphics that really pop on the iPad’s display.